Yesterday, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) celebrated the successful completion of a one-year Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Training Programme, with 15 individuals graduating as newly skilled professionals in the field of medical laboratory science.
This comprehensive program was designed to produce highly qualified technicians who will play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
The training combined extensive theoretical lessons with hands-on practical experience, ensuring that participants gained expertise in key areas such as hematology, microbiology, blood banking, clinical chemistry, immunology, and urology. Students were also trained in essential competencies like laboratory safety protocols, specimen handling, quality assurance, and data interpretation skills critical for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of laboratory services.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, explained that the goal of these decentralised programmes is to create opportunities for individuals across the various regions. He pointed out that the previous model, which was more private, did not accommodate the training of a large number of individuals.
“If we had continued with the old model, perhaps only one or two people from each region would have been able to participate in the course, which would have been primarily available in Georgetown,” the Minister revealed.
Dr Anthony emphasised that these programmes are comprehensive and require considerable effort to ensure successful completion.
As medicine continues to advance, Dr Anthony encouraged the graduating class to focus on building their capacity to grow and adapt within their field.
The graduates are now fully equipped to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare sector, bringing both their knowledge and practical experience to the workforce.
This graduation ceremony was attended by several distinguished officials, including Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health; Dr Theresa Sarju, Regional Health Officer (RHO); Ms Geogel Abrams, Senior Health Education Officer; Mr Faizal Jaffarally, Member of Parliament; Mr Vickchand Ramphal, Regional Chairman, along with other notable government representatives.
The successful completion of this program marks a significant step forward in strengthening the healthcare workforce in Region Five and ensuring the continued delivery of quality medical services.
Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, Dr Theresa Sarju, Regional Health Officer (RHO), along with other officials and the graduating class of Medical Laboratory Technicians.
Minister Dr Frank Anthony delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony.